Goal: Support no-fishing zones in Africa to protect endangered penguins.

Recent studies have shown that a ban on catching fish such as sardines and anchovies is beneficial to the survival of South African penguins. The amount of ‘forage fish’ caught every year is staggering, with their absence from the ocean not only endangering the penguins, but contributing to an overall negative effect on the marine ecosystem.

While more studies are needed, it is generally agreed by the research community that no-fishing zones are a must for the survival of penguins. According to the current studies, penguin chicks growing up within 20 kilometers of no-fishing zones are healthier and more robust due to a larger food supply; this enables them to grow into healthy adults and reproduce, thus strengthening the species’ numbers. This will also benefit animals such as tuna, whales, and dolphins.

Penguins are just some of many animals in danger of extinction due to food source shortages, and measures such as no-fishing zones are vital in preserving their numbers. Like any endeavor, these zones need as much support and funding as possible in order to become reality. Sign this petition to help African penguins by supporting no-fishing zones.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Director Kurth,

South Africa’s penguin population is on a steady decline, and recent studies have shown that no-fishing zones within 20 kilometers of their habitat could rectify this. Penguin chicks growing up in areas with a ban on the catching of ‘forage fish’ such as sardines and anchovies reportedly grow up stronger and healthier due to a more abundant food supply. Additionally, the implementation of more no-fishing zones could have an overall positive impact on the entire marine ecosystem.

Please fund and support this endeavor as much as possible. The marine ecosystem is vital to the overall well-being of the planet, and penguins are a large part of this. The available research is a good start, and more is needed to fully understand the link between no-fishing zones and the well-being of penguins. Help us protect the penguin population and allow them to thrive again.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Paul Mannix

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